Super Eagles great Oliseh snubs Nigeria, crowns Africa’s finest team of the last 25 years

Former Super Eagles captain and coach Sunday Oliseh has overlooked Nigeria and declared Senegal the most consistent African side of the last quarter-century, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria's Eagles are one of the most successful teams on the continent, with three Africa Cup of Nations crowns, with the most recent won in 2013 on South African soil. 

However, on the very day that Nigeria stumbled to a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein, Oliseh turned his gaze elsewhere, applauding Senegal’s stirring 3-2 comeback win away to DR Congo.

“Meet Africa's most improved and consistent national team since 2000. Bravo!” he posted on X.

Meet Africa's most improved and consistent national team since 2000. Bravo!! https://t.co/zG2HcEjM4N

— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) September 10, 2025

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It is a bold snub as Nigeria's Super Eagles have made eight semifinal appearances in 13 editions of the AFCON and featured at the World Cup four times since 2000.

Yet Oliseh insists Senegal, AFCON winners in 2021, are the continent’s benchmark.

Senegal’s performance in Kinshasa backed his argument. Trailing 2-0 after Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa struck for the Leopards, the Teranga Lions clawed their way back.

Pape Gueye rifled one in before half-time, Nicolas Jackson pounced for the leveller, and Tottenham’s Pape Sarr sealed the turnaround late on. The win put Senegal top of Group B and in pole position to reach the 2026 World Cup.

For Oliseh, Senegal’s consistency is what sets them apart. This is not the first time the former Juventus and Borussia Dortmund midfielder has lauded the Lions.

Back in June, the former Nigeria international hailed Senegal’s historic 3-1 friendly win over England at the City Ground, the first time an African nation had beaten the Three Lions.

“The introduction of the European Nations League eliminated almost all possible international friendly match windows,” Oliseh wrote at the time. 

“That, in my opinion, is the only reason teams like England do not get beaten often by African sides.

“The gap is no longer that significant, unlike in the 80s. Africa has no reason to fear any team in the world anymore!”

A closer look at Senegal’s record, though, supports Oliseh's claim.

The Teranga Lions were World Cup quarter-finalists in 2002, made back-to-back appearances in 2018 and 2022, were AFCON finalists in 2002 and 2019, and eventual champions in 2021. They remain one of only two nations never to lose against Brazil.

Meanwhile, Nigeria risk missing a second consecutive World Cup, their last appearance dating back to Russia 2018.